Scott Atchison, Rich Hill set free

Scott LauberSaturday, December 01, 2012

Credit: John Wilcox

Scott Atchison

Scott Atchison was among baseball’s biggest bargains in 2012.

Today, he’s unemployed.

After signing a minor league deal with the Red Sox, Atchison made the team out of spring training, then posted a 1.58 ERA in 42 appearances. Among AL relievers with at least 50 innings pitched, only Tampa Bay’s Fernando Rodney had a lower ERA.

Best of all, Atchison cost the Red Sox only $510,000.

But the bullpen is one of the Sox’ few areas of depth. And so, despite benefitting from Atchison’s career-best season, they decided not to make an offer to the 36-year-old right-hander before last night’s deadline to tender contracts to players eligible for salary arbitration, making him a free agent.

“I was a little surprised, but I also sort of expected it,” Atchison told the Herald yesterday. “I understand the situations in the game, and you just learn to deal with it.”

By non-tendering Atchison, Hill and Sweeney, the Sox also created space on the 40-man roster, which had been filled to capacity. One spot is expected to be filled by outfielder Jonny Gomes, who agreed to terms last week to a two-year, $10 million contract.

Atchison allowed only 42 hits and nine walks in 511â„3 innings, but also missed two months with a torn ligament in his elbow that didn’t require surgery. He returned to the mound in September and didn’t allow a run in 51â„3 innings and said yesterday that his elbow “feels great.”

Like Atchison, Hill was a victim of the Red Sox’ surplus of relievers. And although he has pitched well since signing a minor league contract midway through the 2010 season, the Milton native also has dealt with recurring injuries, including a year-long rehabilitation from Tommy John elbow surgery.

Atchison and Hill could be candidates to stay with the Red Sox on minor league contracts if they don’t receive better offers on the free agent market.

“Hopefully I have shown enough that I can find a job somewhere,” Atchison said, “whether it’s Boston or not.”

Sweeney, meanwhile, made little impact after being acquired last December in the deal that sent Josh Reddick to Oakland. He didn’t exhibit any of the power the Red Sox envisioned, hitting no homers in 219 plate appearances, and missed the season’s final two months after breaking his left hand punching a door.

Red Sox notes

As expected, the Sox tabbed longtime minor league instructor Victor Rodriguez as the assistant to new hitting coach Greg Colbrunn. .â€‰.â€‰.

Nine days after being designated for assignment, right-hander David Carpenter was claimed off waivers by Atlanta. Carpenter was acquired last month as part of the compensation that brought manager John Farrell from Toronto.